Planting the right plant in the right place will make for a healthier plant. Healthier plants fight off disease and pests better.

Plant densely, prune and weed regularly, as needed.

Place high water-use plants near one another. For instance, if you have a lawn, place annuals and high water-use perennials nearby so they’ll get watered more frequently.

Check out our Native Plant Database for detailed information on over 50 native groundcovers, shrubs and trees! Each listing will tell you the plant’s light and water requirements, mature size, wildlife supported and more.

Plant Native plants How do native plants help us save water?

Native plants need much less watering and support beneficial wildlife.

Native plants have evolved here with our wet Winters and our dry Summers. They are also adapted to the soils of this region. What this means is that once they are established after a year or two, there is no need to water them. Imagine the plants in the forest – nobody is out there watering them!

If you have any questions about native plants or how to care for them, contact us!

Timing

Time watering to reduce evaporation:

Cool temperature + still air = low evaporation= less water wasted

Early morning (or in the middle of the night if you have a timer) are the best times to water.

The water bureau recommends watering in the middle of the night instead of first thing in the morning so we avoid the morning shower rush. Makes sense – if we are all watering our landscapes at the same time that many of us are showering it can really put a drain on the City’s water system!

Amount of water per week

To water the most efficiently, keep an eye on the “weekly watering number”. The Weekly Watering Number is the amount of water in inches that your lawn will need that week. You can also use the Weekly Watering Number for watering other types of plants, by using these general guidelines while getting your plants established.

Shrubs: 50% of the Weekly Watering Number.

Perennials: 50% of the Weekly Watering Number.

Vegetables: 75% of the Weekly Watering Number (new starts may require more water).

Trees: Newly planted trees need regular watering for up to the first couple of years, while established trees may need a deep soak or two in summer.